Refined Living 2026

Our Sourcing Standards

At Healthnutritionlab, we are committed to providing you with accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Every article, recommendation, and piece of guidance on our platform is built on rigorous sourcing standards and transparent verification processes.

We believe you deserve to know exactly where our information comes from and how we ensure its reliability.

Our Primary Information Sources

We draw from five primary categories of authoritative sources to ensure every piece of nutrition guidance is credible and current.

Peer-Reviewed Research

Our editorial team prioritises peer-reviewed journal articles from reputable publications in nutrition science, dietetics, and health outcomes research. We focus on randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews published in journals indexed by PubMed, Cochrane Library, and other established academic databases.

Government & Public Health Agencies

We reference official dietary guidelines and recommendations from trusted government bodies including the UK National Health Service (NHS), British Nutrition Foundation, and dietary authorities in Europe. These sources represent evidence-based consensus from large teams of nutrition experts.

Industry & Academic Experts

We consult registered dietitians, certified nutritionists, and academic researchers with published credentials in nutrition science. Expert contributions are clearly credited, and their qualifications are disclosed to you. We avoid relying on influencers or individuals without formal training in nutrition.

Academic Textbooks & Reviews

We draw on authoritative textbooks in clinical nutrition, medical dietetics, and nutritional biochemistry. These comprehensive sources synthesise decades of research and are regularly updated by leading academic institutions to reflect current evidence.

Official Nutrient Databases

Nutritional composition data comes from official sources including the USDA Food Data Central, UK Food Composition Database, and Eurostat food data. These resources maintain rigorous testing protocols to ensure accurate micronutrient and macronutrient information.

Critical Literature Review

Before publishing, our team conducts thorough literature reviews to identify conflicting evidence and areas of scientific debate. We present multiple perspectives where experts disagree, clearly labelling emerging or controversial topics rather than presenting unsettled science as fact.

Our Verification Process

Every article goes through a multi-step review process to ensure accuracy before it reaches you.

1

Initial Research & Sourcing

Our writers begin by identifying credible sources relevant to the topic. They compile peer-reviewed studies, official guidelines, and expert perspectives, creating a comprehensive bibliography that supports every claim made in the article.

2

Editorial Review

A member of our editorial team reviews the draft article, checking that all claims are directly supported by the cited sources, that contradictions are addressed, and that language is clear and accessible to beginners. We verify that complex concepts are accurately simplified without losing scientific meaning.

3

Expert Verification

Articles addressing key nutrition topics are reviewed by registered dietitians or nutrition scientists with relevant expertise. They assess whether the content reflects current best practices and whether any emerging research contradicts the article's conclusions. Their feedback is incorporated before publication.

4

Final Quality Check

Before publication, a final reviewer ensures all sources are correctly cited and accessible, that no unsupported claims have slipped through, and that the article meets our editorial standards for clarity and tone. We also verify that any contradictions to other articles on our site are intentional and explained.

5

Ongoing Updates & Monitoring

We don't treat published articles as static. Our team regularly scans new research relevant to published content. When significant new evidence emerges, we update articles, clearly noting when they were last revised. You will always see the publication and update dates on every article.

Our Disclosure Policy

Transparency is central to our credibility. Here's what we disclose to you:

Source Citations

Every factual claim in our articles is supported by a full citation. You can click through to the original source to verify the information yourself.

Author Credentials

We identify our writers and their qualifications. If an article was written by someone without formal nutrition training, we clearly state this and note who reviewed it for accuracy.

Conflicting Evidence

When scientific evidence is mixed or contradictory, we explain what the research shows on all sides rather than presenting one perspective as settled fact. You deserve to understand areas of genuine scientific debate.

Publication & Update Dates

Every article displays when it was originally published and when it was last updated. Nutrition science evolves, and you should know how current the information is.

Partnerships & Affiliations

We disclose any partnerships, sponsorships, or affiliate relationships that might influence our coverage. Our editorial independence is fundamental to maintaining your trust.

Limitations & Disclaimers

We clearly state what our articles cover and what they don't. Our content is educational and not a substitute for personalised professional guidance. Important disclaimers appear prominently on all pages.

What We Actively Avoid

Our sourcing standards also define what we deliberately exclude to protect your trust.

Anecdotal Evidence Alone

Personal testimonials and "success stories" are not sufficient sources for our nutrition recommendations. If we mention anecdotal experiences, we always pair them with scientific evidence.
Marketing Materials as Sources

We do not cite product claims, brand websites, or promotional materials as evidence. If a supplement or food product has research behind it, we link to the independent research—not the company's marketing.
Unverified Internet Rumours

📊 Did you know?
Claims that circulate on social media or non-expert websites without peer-reviewed backing are excluded. We prioritise published research over viral trends.
Sponsored or Biased Studies

When citing research, we note funding sources. Studies funded by food or supplement companies are reviewed extra carefully, and we favour independent research when available.
Outdated Consensus

If nutrition science has moved on from older guidelines, we update our content. We don't cling to established advice if newer, higher-quality evidence suggests a different approach.

Have Questions About Our Sources?

Our editorial team welcomes your feedback and questions about the sources we use, how we verify information, or how we cover specific topics.

Send Us Your Feedback

Learn More About Our Standards

Explore our other transparency pages to understand how we maintain editorial integrity.

Disclaimer & Medical Advice

Learn about what our content is and isn't, and how to use it alongside professional guidance.

Privacy Policy

See how we protect your data and maintain your privacy while you browse our content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our nutrition guidance and editorial approach.